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Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies

ESDiT is a 10-year long international research programme of 7 academic institutions. We work on breakthrough research at the intersections of ethics, philosophy, technology, engineering and social sciences.

What We DoWho We Are

Our 3 Focal Points

New digital technologies

robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, blockchain, social media, and quantum computing

Bio- and brain technologies

gene editing, gene drives, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, advanced medical and food technologies, and technologies for human enhancement

Environmental & sustainable technologies

energy technologies, water technologies, recycling and other technologies for the circular economy, climate engineering, and bio-based and low-carbon technologies

Collaboration &
Knowledge exchange

The ESDiT programme is open to collaboration with other academic researchers, technology developers, policy makers & civil society organizations. We share relevant information and research results with media, education  & general public stakeholders.

ESDiT Research Lines

Nature, Life & Human Intervention

Nature, Life & Human Intervention

We aim to go beyond traditional discussions about the normative status of nature, e.g., whether there is something intrinsically good or desirable in nature and something objectionable in changing nature.
The Human Condition

The Human Condition

We investigate how and to what extent socially disruptive technologies have implications with regard to humans, humanity and the human condition, focusing on new biomedical and digital technologies.
The Future of a Fair & Free Society

The Future of a Fair & Free Society

We try to map how the changes in social relations, social structures, social institutions, and democratic practices, brought about by SDTs affect the basic concepts of social and political philosophy.
Foundations & Synthesis

Foundations & Synthesis

This research line aims to develop more synthesizing perspectives on the entire topic of the research programme. We work on frameworks that are able to provide normative responses to the challenge of SDTs.

Our Latest Publications

The latest publications by ESDiT researchers:

Public health measures and the rise of incidental surveillance: Considerations about private informational power and accountability

Kamphorst, Bart A.; Henschke, Adam

Public health measures and the rise of incidental surveillance: Considerations about private informational power and accountability Journal Article

In: Ethics and Information Technology, vol. 25, iss. 4, 2023.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX

A reflective guide on the meaning of empathy in autism research

Bollen, Caroline

A reflective guide on the meaning of empathy in autism research Journal Article

In: Methods in Psychology, vol. 8, no. 100109, 2023.

Links | BibTeX

Latest News & Media appearances

News from the ESDIT programme + media appearances by our researchers:

ESDIT on the Dissenter Podcast

ESDIT on the Dissenter Podcast

PhD position in Environmental Ethics

PhD position in Environmental Ethics

PhD position Environmental Political Theory

PhD position Environmental Political Theory

The ESDIT podcast

Interviews with, and by, scholars affiliated with the research consortium Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies. The ESDiT podcast showcases ongoing research of various junior and senior scholars active in contemporary technology ethics.

Our Next Event

We regularly organize academic events and events with stakeholders, such as:

Away Days 2024

Start date: June 20, 2024
End date: June 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: TBA
Academic event | Internal ESDIT event
ESDIT logo

This event is only accessible for ESDiT fellows.